On August 30, 2023, a group of military putschists announced their intention to end the existing regime in Gabon. They also declared that the outgoing president, Ali Bongo Ondimba, had been placed under house arrest. This announcement came shortly after Ali Bongo Ondimba’s reelection, who had been in power for 14 years.
General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema: He is the head of the Republican Guard, the executive’s praetorian guard. He is also linked through family ties as a cousin to the president himself. Colonel Ulric Manfoubi Manfunbe: He comes from the Air Force and commands a military camp named Camp Baraka. Colonel Aimé Vivian Oyhini: He is also one of the leaders of the Republican Guard.
It is still too early to determine who these putschists are working for or if they are supported by a specific opposition party. However, it is clear that they appear to have the support of the population. Images show military personnel parading in the streets of Libreville, cheered on by hundreds of people.
It is also noteworthy that Port-Gentil, the second-largest city in Gabon, has always been a stronghold of opposition. Therefore, it is not surprising to see demonstrations of camaraderie with the defense forces in this city.
Furthermore, there is a social dimension to this coup. A group of economists examined the 105 promises made by Ali Bongo during the 2016 campaign for an “Emerging Gabon.” They found that only 12% of these promises were fulfilled. This likely reflects a certain frustration within the population. Gabon has one of the highest GDP per capita in Africa, but this doesn’t necessarily translate into a better quality of life for all its citizens.
